Methods, Systems, and Products for Surveying Facilities

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products survey equipment, machinery, plants, and other facilities. Facilities data may be overlaid onto a map to generate a graphical mapping. When this graphical mapping is displayed, a selection may be received to create a survey of the facilities. Another selection of a facilities item needing repair may be received, and an action may be associated to the facilities item. An electronic survey file is created that describes the facilities item needing repair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/901,607, filed Sep. 17, 2007, now issued as U.S. Patent X,XXX,XXX,and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This applicationclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/852,182, filedOct. 17, 2006 and entitled “Mobile Mapping Tool” (Attorney Docket 060398Provisional), which relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/901,597,filed Sep. 17, 2007, and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,412 (AttorneyDocket 060398), with both applications incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to mapping of information and,more particularly, to mapping of facilities and equipment informationfor any industry.

Accurate and simple facilities information may be difficult to obtain.Many industries maintain diverse and/or remote plants, operations, andequipment. Significant efforts and financial investments are made tomaintain accurate information on these facilities and equipment. Still,though, the information may be difficult to access and to interpret.Different facilities may utilize different communications networks andequipment, thus complicating efforts to unify all the facilitiesinformation. Moreover, the volume of facilities and equipmentinformation may be too difficult to access and effectively utilize. Whenpersonnel cannot obtain accurate facilities information, repair effortsmay be delayed.

In the communications industry, for example, there may be millions ofdifferent circuits. These circuits route calls and other Internettraffic throughout a city, state, and even the nation. When a circuitfails, or becomes congested, communications data must be rerouted toalternate circuits. Accurate and readily accessible information, then,must be maintained for all these circuit facilities. Sometimes, however,facility information is stored in a database that is unavailable orincompatible. When communications personnel have trouble accessing orsharing information, coordination of repair efforts is hampered and/ordelayed. Whatever the industry, then, personnel must be able to quicklyand easily obtain facilities and equipment information.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide methods, systems, and products forsurveying equipment, machinery, plants, and other facilities. The term“facilities” describes equipment, components, physical plants, andstructures for any industry. Facilities data, describing the facilities,may be overlaid onto a map of roads to generate a graphical mapping.When this graphical mapping is displayed, a selection may be received tocreate a survey of the facilities. This survey may describe anyfacilities that need maintenance or repair, for any reason. Anotherselection of a facilities item needing repair may be received, and anaction may be associated to the facilities item. An electronic surveyfile is created that describes the facilities item needing repair.

More exemplary embodiments include a system for surveying facilities.The system includes means for generating a graphical mapping offacilities data overlaid onto a map of roads. The system also includesmeans for receiving a selection to create a survey of the facilities.This survey may describe any facilities that need maintenance or repair,for any reason. Another selection of a facilities item needing repairmay be received, and an action may be associated to the facilities item.An electronic survey file is created that describes the facilities itemneeding repair.

Still more exemplary embodiments include a computer program product forsurveying facilities. The computer program product includesprocessor-executable instructions for generating a graphical mapping offacilities data overlaid onto a map of roads. When this graphicalmapping is displayed, a selection may be received to create a survey ofthe facilities. This survey may describe any facilities that needmaintenance or repair, for any reason. Another selection of a facilitiesitem needing repair may be received, and an action may be associated tothe facilities item. An electronic survey file is created that describesthe facilities item needing repair.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toexemplary embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one withordinary skill in the art upon review of the following drawings anddetailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,methods, and/or computer program products be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the claims, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplaryembodiments are better understood when the following DetailedDescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating an operating environment,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a more detailed operatingenvironment, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a graphical user interface for creating afacilities survey, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot of a survey wizard dialog box, according to moreexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 is another screenshot of the survey wizard dialog box forassociating information to the facilities survey, according to moreexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 is another screenshot of the survey wizard dialog box forassigning a repair, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates more information that may be associated with thefacilities survey, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate still more information that may be associated withthe facilities survey, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 11-12 are screen shots that finalize the facilities survey,according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 depicts other possible operating environments for additionalaspects of the exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of mapping facilities data,according to even more exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figuresmay be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well ashardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating an operating environment,according to exemplary embodiments. A user's device 100 communicateswith a server 102 via a communications network 104. Although the user'sdevice 100 is generically shown, the device 100, as will be laterexplained, may be a computer, a radio, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cordless/cellular/IP phone, digital music player, or any otherdevice. The server 102 has a processor 106 (e.g., “μP”), applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other device that executes aserver-side mapping application 108 stored in memory 110, according toexemplary embodiments. The user's device 100 may also have a processor112 (e.g., “μP”), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), orother device that executes a client-side mapping application 114 storedin memory 116. The user's device 100 and/or the server 102 may alsocommunicate with a mobile mapping database 118. The mobile mappingdatabase 118 is illustrated as being locally stored in the memory 116 ofthe server 102, yet the mobile mapping database 118 may be remotelystored and accessed from any node or device in the communicationsnetwork 104. The server-side mapping application 108 and/or theclient-side mapping application 114 may cooperate to cause the user'sdevice 100 to generate a graphical user interface 120. The graphicaluser interface 120 is illustrated as being visually produced on adisplay device 122, yet the graphical user interface 120 may also haveaudible features. As the following paragraphs will explain, theserver-side mapping application 108 and/or the client-side mappingapplication 114 may be sets of processor-executable instructions thatcooperate to cross-reference geographic mapping data with detailedfacility data. The server-side mapping application 108 and theclient-side mapping application 114 thus may operate in a client-serverenvironment that supports object oriented technology, messaging,transactions, security, system management, and/or reporting. Exemplaryembodiments, however, may be implemented in a client-based application,where all software and/or logic operate in a client device (e.g., theuser's device 100).

Exemplary embodiments may include survey capabilities. These surveycapabilities permit the user (at the user's device 100) to survey and/orto assess machinery, equipment, and other facilities. The server-sidemapping application 108, for example, may include a server-side surveymodule 124. The client-side mapping application 114 may also include aclient-side survey module 126. The server-side survey module 124 and theclient-side survey module 126 may be sets of processor-executableinstructions that cooperate to assess facilities that may need repair.Exemplary embodiments, for example, may be used to assess facilitiesneeding routine maintenance due to normal wear and tear. Exemplaryembodiments, however, may be used to assess facilities that have beendamaged by accident, by sabotage, or by storms, weather events, andother acts by God.

Exemplary embodiments may optionally have a “stand alone” operation.FIG. 1 illustrates a networked operation in which the user's device 100communicates with the server 102 to obtain real-time, or near real time,facilities data. Sometimes, however, a connection to the communicationsnetwork 104 (and thus the server 102) is unavailable or is unwanted.Exemplary embodiments, then, permit the user to operate the client-sidemapping application 114 (and/or the client-side survey module 126) usinglocally-stored facilities data. That is, the user's device 100 maylocally store facilities data in the memory 116, thus allowing the user(at the user's device 100) to survey facilities without the need for anetwork connection.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a more detailed operatingenvironment, according to more exemplary embodiments. Here the user (atthe user's device 100) may interact with the client-side survey module126 to access the server-side survey module 124 operating in the server102. Before the user may access the survey capabilities, the user mayfirst navigate through one or more login and/or authenticationprocedures (e.g., username and password) to limit access to authorizedusers. When the user is authenticated, the user may then be presentedwith a home page or welcome screen. As the following paragraphs willexplain, the user may then interact with the client-side survey module126 and/or the server-side survey module 124 to assess the facilitiesneeded maintenance and repair.

As the user assesses the facilities, exemplary embodiments may interactwith various databases 140. These databases 140 are queried to obtaininformation that is presented to the user at the user's device 100 (viathe graphical user interface 120 and display device 122 illustrated inFIG. 1). A geospatial facilities mapping database 142, for example, maybe accessed when plotting and/or editing data in mapping environments.The geospatial facilities mapping database 142, for example, may be aBENTLEY® POWERMAP® database (BENTLEY® and POWERMAP® are registeredtrademarks of Bentley Systems, Inc.). The geospatial facilities mappingdatabase 142 may include a master database that captures a facilitiessnapshot of a selected geographic area. This geographic area, forexample, may include information for a selected communications circuitas well as information for other circuits within a given or selectedradius or distance). Exemplary embodiments, however, may utilize anysource, vendor, or provider of geographic facilities and/or mappingdata. A mechanized survey database 144 stores electronic data thatfacilitates selection and input of constraints, controls, and/orautomation features to improve the accuracy or detail of the selectedcircuit and associated network components, according to exemplaryembodiments. The server 102 may also interact with any other databases(such as a generically designated remote database 146). According toexemplary embodiments, these additional databases 140 allow theclient-side survey module 126, the server-side survey module 124, and/orthe mobile mapping database 118 to selectively access, manage,manipulate, and/or store detailed hardware and equipment information,facility location information, and mapping data. These additionaldatabases 140 are illustrated as being remotely located from the server102 and from the user's device 100, yet any of the additional databases140 may be locally stored in the user's device 100 and/or the server102. These additional databases 140 are also known to those of ordinaryskill in the art and, thus, not described in detail.

The user's device 100 and the server 102 are only simply illustrated.Because the architecture and operating principles of the user's device100 and the server 102 are well known, the hardware and softwarecomponents of these devices are not further shown and described. If thereader desires more details, the reader is invited to consult thefollowing sources: ANDREW TANENBAUM, COMPUTER NETWORKS (4^(th) edition2003); WILLIAM STALLINGS, COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE:DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE (7th Ed. 2005); and DAVID

A. PATTERSON & JOHN L. HENNESSY, COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN: THEHARDWARE/SOFTWARE INTERFACE (3^(rd). Edition 2004).

Exemplary embodiments may be applied regardless of networkingenvironment. The communications network 104 may be a cable networkoperating in the radio-frequency domain and/or the Internet Protocol(IP) domain. The communications network 104, however, may also include adistributed computing network, such as the Internet (sometimesalternatively known as the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-areanetwork (LAN), and/or a wide-area network (WAN). The communicationsnetwork 104 may include coaxial cables, copper wires, fiber optic lines,and/or hybrid-coaxial lines. The communications network 104 may eveninclude wireless portions utilizing any portion of the electromagneticspectrum and any signaling standard (such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family ofstandards, GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellular standard, and/or the ISM band).The concepts described herein may be applied to any wireless/wirelinecommunications network, regardless of physical componentry, physicalconfiguration, or communications standard(s).

FIGS. 3-12 are schematics further illustrating the graphical userinterface 120, according to more exemplary embodiments. As the aboveparagraphs explained, the client-side survey module 126 and/or theserver-side survey module 124 queries the mobile mapping database 118 toobtain information. The client-side survey module 126 and/or theserver-side survey module 124 may also query the additional databases140 to obtain various other types of information. The client-side surveymodule 126 and/or the server-side survey module 124 then assemble,compile, and/or format all this information for visual and/or audiblepresentation at the user's device 100 (via the display device 122illustrated in FIG. 1). The information, for example, is presented asthe graphical user interface 120, and various versions of the graphicaluser interface 120 are illustrated in FIGS. 3-12. The graphical userinterfaces 120 illustrated in FIGS. 3-12, however, are tailored to thecommunications industry. Exemplary embodiments, however, may be tailoredto any industry or any service provider. That is, for example, exemplaryembodiments may be adapted to survey and/or map facilities data withgeographic mapping data for industrial facilities, private or publicnetwork facilities, water facilities, electric facilities, and road andhighway departments. Exemplary embodiments, then, should not be limitedto the communications industry.

FIG. 3, for example, is a screen shot of the graphical user interface120, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the graphical userinterface 120 may be produced by the client-side survey module 126and/or the server-side survey module 124 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Thegraphical user interface 120, for example, may cause the display of aseries of survey wizard dialog boxes 160. Each survey wizard dialog box160 allows the user to survey and/or assess damaged or inoperativefacilities. The survey wizard dialog box 160 may first allow the user toselect and/or deselect survey options 162. The survey wizard dialog box160, for example, presents a first option to create 164 a new survey, asecond option to edit 166 an existing survey, or a third option todelete 168 a survey. FIG. 3 illustrates selection of the first option tocreate 164 a new survey, and the user then selects a “Next” controlbutton 170.

FIG. 4 is a screenshot of another survey wizard dialog box 160,according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates different layersof data that may be displayed. Here, after the user selects the “Next”control button 170 (illustrated in FIG. 3), the user is presented withadditional options for creating a new facilities survey. A surveyorsdata field 180, for example, allows the user to enter or type thename(s) of field personnel (“Mike Smith and John Young”) who areperforming the survey. A priority data field 182 allows the user toenter or type a priority for the facilities survey. Additionally oralternatively, the user may select a priority control 184 that, whenselected, produces a drop down menu 186 for selecting priorities. Inmany industries, repair and/or recovery efforts may be prioritized. Thatis, some operations or equipment are higher priority and get repairedbefore lesser-priority operations. In the communications industry, forexample, FIG. 3 illustrates various priorities for damaged facilities.Electrical power hazards are high priority repairs, while damaged polesand cables (e.g., a “pole and/or cable” option 188) may have a secondpriority. Whatever the industry, though, the drop down menu 186 allowsthe user to indicate or specify a priority category for the new survey.

FIG. 5 is another screenshot of the survey wizard dialog box 160,according to more exemplary embodiments. Here the user may enter,select, and/or otherwise associate additional information to the newsurvey. A storm name data field 200, for example, allows the user toselect a name of a storm that may have caused damage to facilities. Theclient-side survey module 126 and/or the server-side survey module 124,for example, may have access to a storm name database (e.g., thegenerically designated remote database 146 illustrated in FIG. 2). Thisstorm name database, for example, may be derived from, or obtained from,the World Meteorological Organization and/or the United States NationalWeather Service. A storm name control 202 allows the user to select thestorm name from a drop down menu (not shown) of storm names. Because theWorld Meteorological Organization uses a new list of storm names foreach calendar year, exemplary embodiments may automatically query forand obtain the latest listing for any past, current, or future year. Thestorm name data field 200, however, may be populated with any name ordescriptor that the user chooses. The user, for example, may enter“January, 2007 ice storm,” “Apr. 23, 2007 wind event,” or “Mar. 3, 2007heavy rains.”

The survey wizard dialog box 160 may include location information. Thelocation information is used to further identify and/or locate thefacilities associated with the new survey. The location information maybe any information that an industry uses to explain or describe alocation. Some industries, for example, may use plant numbers, buildingand/or aisle numbers, equipment numbers, street addresses, mail codes,department numbers or codes, and/or GPS coordinates. In thecommunications industry, for example, the user may be prompted to entera “CLLI” (Common Language Location Identifier) code 204, a plat number206, an allocation area 208, a street name 210, and/or a number 212.Here, then, exemplary embodiments may allow the user to enter detailedinformation to precisely locate the new survey. Exemplary embodiments,alternatively, may include a “pick street centerline” control button 214that, when selected, allows the user to select street centerlines (froma map or menu of streets, for example). As the user makes selectionsusing the “pick street centerline” control button 214, exemplaryembodiments may pre-populate any of the location data fields. Here,then, exemplary embodiments reduce human errors caused by, for example,an incorrect selection of a wire center or caused by incomplete locationinformation. When or as the location information is selected, the surveywizard dialog box 160 may display or present corresponding latitude andlongitude 216 information. Exemplary embodiments may then cause thegraphical mapping to scroll to a location associated with the locationinformation. The user then selects the “Next” control button 170.

FIG. 6 is another screenshot of the survey wizard dialog box 160,according to more exemplary embodiments. An assignment data field 220allows the user to assign the repair/recovery work to a particularperson, department, division, team, or any other industry designation.The user may type or enter data in the assignment data field 220, or theuser may select an assignment control 222 that produces a drop down menu224 of departments. The particular characteristics of the damagedfacilities may determine which department (e.g., engineering ormaintenance) is selected.

FIG. 7 illustrates more information that may be associated with the newsurvey, according to more exemplary embodiments. A tree trimming option240 allows the user to specify whether tree limbs must be trimmed orremoved when repairing the facilities. A power road block option 242allows the user to specify whether hazardous electrical conditions orlines must be repaired. Again, in many industries, specialized crews maybe needed to facilitate repairs. Tree removal crews, for example, may beneeded to remove fallen tree debris. In nearly all industries, cables,poles, buildings, windows, and equipment may be damaged by falling treelimbs. Similarly, electrical crews may be needed to clear/repair downelectrical lines and/or to repair high voltage equipment. Exemplaryembodiments may be modified to specify other specialized crews, such asplumbing crews, highway/street repair crews, heavy equipment repaircrews, crane and other specialized moving crews, machinery repair crews,and any other repair crews having specialized training, procedures,and/or equipment. Exemplary embodiments, then, allow the user to specifywhen specially-trained personnel, or even sub-contractors, may need tobe summoned. A description data field 244 allows the user to enter ortype any information that further identifies the new survey or repair.If an electrical utility company is responsible for the tree trimming orelectrical repair, the survey wizard dialog box 160 may include datafields for specifying a name 246 of the power company, an identifyingpole number 248, and/or an identifying meter number 250. The user thenselects the “Next” control button 170.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate still more information that may be associated withthe new survey, according to more exemplary embodiments. Here the surveycrew may identify the specific facility equipment or items that needrepair. As the field personnel perform the survey, the user visuallyinspects the facilities. When the user sees some facility item thatneeds attention or repair, the user moves a cursor (not shown) and“clicks” or otherwise selects an Add control button 260. According toexemplary embodiments, the survey wizard dialog box 160, upon selectionof the Add control button 260, minimizes to fully reveal a detailedgraphical mapping 262 of facilities. The graphical mapping 262 offacilities presents a map of some or all of the facilities associatedwith the chosen location information (as illustrated with reference toFIG. 5). In the communications industry, for example, exemplaryembodiments map the wire center facilities associated with the locationinformation (again, as illustrated in FIG. 5). The detailed graphicalmapping 262 of facilities may be overlaid onto a map 264 of roads thatcorresponds to the location information. As the user performs thesurvey, the user visually inspects the facilities and merely “clicks” orselects the items produced on the graphical mapping 262 of facilitiesthat may need inspection and/or repair.

FIG. 9, then, illustrates a listing 280 of items. As the user selectsfacility items needing attention, exemplary embodiment automaticallystore and track the user's selections. The survey wizard dialog box 160,then, visually produces the listing 280 of items. The listing 280 ofitems includes a type 282 of facility item needing repair and an “IPID”(Internet Protocol Identification) number 284 associated with eachfacility item. In the communications industry, the IPID number 284uniquely identifies each facility item. Exemplary embodiments, however,may be adapted to display any identifying information associated withthe facility item designated for repair.

The survey wizard dialog box 160 may also include an action data field286. The action data field 286 explains what type of repair/recoverywork is needed for each item in the listing 280 of items. That is, eachfacility item in the listing 280 of items corresponds to, or isassociated with, its own action. A computerized machine may need to bereinitialized, a wear item may need replacement, a fluid reservoir mayneed refilling, or a water main may need sealing. Regardless, as theuser selects the facility items that need attention, the user may alsospecify or select what repair action is needed. The user may type orenter the needed repair action into the action data field 286. The user,however, may also select an action control 288 that produces a drop downmenu of repair actions (not shown for simplicity). In the communicationsindustry, the repair action may correlate to the type 282 of facilityitem needing repair and/or to the IPID number 284. That is, thepermissible repair action may be sensitive to the type of facility itembeing repaired. Some repair actions may not be selectable or beunavailable for some facility items. Should the user decide to remove anitem from the listing 280 of items, the user may select, highlight, oremphasize the desired item and select a Delete control button 290.

FIG. 10 illustrates annotation of the repair efforts. When the userselects, highlights, or otherwise emphasizes an item in the listing 280of items, the user may add notes describing the repair or damage. Aplace note data field 300 allows the user annotate any item in thelisting 280 of items. A note control 302 may produce a pre-defined dropdown menu 304 of annotations. The drop down menu 304 of annotationsillustrated in FIG. 10 is tailored to the communications industry. Thedrop down menu 304 of annotations, then, lists pre-defined notes toexplain why a communications facilities item needs repair or is out ofservice (“OOS”). Again, the drop down menu 304 of annotations maycorrelate to the action data field 286. That is, some notes in the dropdown menu 304 of annotations may not be selectable or be otherwiseunavailable for some repair actions. When the user selects a placecontrol button 306 (illustrated in FIG. 9), the contents of the placenote data field 300 are stored in an annotation file. The contents ofthe place note data field 300 may also be overlaid onto the detailedgraphical mapping 262 of facilities. When repair personnel access thefacilities survey, the same surveyor's annotations are presented. Whenthe user has completed annotating the facilities items, the user thenselects the “Next” control button 170.

FIGS. 11-12 are screen shots that finalize the facilities survey,according to more exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11 is a screen shot of asummary of the survey. Here the survey wizard dialog box 160 presents asummary listing 320 of facilities items that need repair. Each categoryor type of facilities equipment is listed, and exemplary embodimentstally or sum the number of items in each category that need repair. APlace Stamp control button 322 allows the user to stamp the survey, asFIG. 12 then illustrates. A digital survey stamp 324 is overlaid orplaced onto the digital facilities survey, and the survey stamp 324 mayvisually display a unique survey identification number that is assignedto the facilities survey. The survey stamp 324 is then included in asurvey sketch that is electronically sent to repair and/or recoverycrews. Once the survey stamp 324 is completed, the user then selects aFinish control button 326 (illustrated in FIG. 11). Exemplaryembodiments then create an electronic survey package of files that iselectronically transmitted to a central storage repository (not shown).

FIG. 13 depicts other possible operating environments for additionalaspects of the exemplary embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates that theclient-side survey module 126 and/or the server-side survey module 124may alternatively or additionally operate within various other devices500. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates that the client-side surveymodule 126 and/or the server-side survey module 124 may entirely orpartially operate within a set-top box (502), a personal/digital videorecorder (PVR/DVR) 504, personal digital assistant (PDA) 506, a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) device 508, an interactive television 510, avideo-capable (e.g., Apple's iPhone™) phone 512, a pager 514, acellular/satellite phone 516, or any computer system and/orcommunications device utilizing a digital processor and/or a digitalsignal processor (DP/DSP) 518. The device 500 may also include watches,radios, vehicle electronics, clocks, printers, gateways, and otherapparatuses and systems. Because the architecture and operatingprinciples of the various devices 500 are well known, the hardware andsoftware componentry of the various devices 500 are not further shownand described. If, however, the reader desires more details, the readeris invited to consult the following sources: LAWRENCE HARTE et al., GSMSUPERPHONES (1999); SIEGMUND REDL et al., GSM AND PERSONALCOMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK (1998); and JOACHIM TISAL, GSM CELLULAR RADIOTELEPHONY (1997); the GSM Standard 2.17, formally known SubscriberIdentity Modules, Functional Characteristics (GSM 02.17 V3.2.0(1995-01))“; the GSM Standard 11.11, formally known as Specification ofthe Subscriber Identity Module—Mobile Equipment (Subscriber IdentityModule—ME) interface (GSM 11.11 V5.3.0 (1996-07))”; MICHEAL ROBIN &MICHEL POULIN, DIGITAL TELEVISION FUNDAMENTALS (2000); JERRY WHITAKERAND BLAIR BENSON, VIDEO AND TELEVISION ENGINEERING (2003); JERRYWHITAKER, DTV HANDBOOK (2001); JERRY WHITAKER, DTV: THE REVOLUTION INELECTRONIC IMAGING (1998); and EDWARD M. SCHWALB, ITV HANDBOOK:TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS (2004).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of mapping facilities data,according to even more exemplary embodiments. A geospatial facilitiesmapping database may be queried for mapping data and/or facilities data(Block 600). A selection of location information may be received thatcorresponds to a wire center (Block 602). A wire center data set,corresponding to the location information, is retrieved (Block 604). Agraphical mapping of facilities information, overlaid onto a map ofroads, is generated and displayed (Block 606). The graphical mapping maybe scrolled to a location associated with the location information(Block 608). A selection is received to create a survey of facilities(Block 610). Another selection is received in the graphical mapping thatindicates a facilities item needing repair (Block 612). A query is madefor a name and facility information associated with the facilities itemneeding repair (Block 614). A control button may be displayed that, whenselected, allows a user to select street centerlines and pre-populateswire center data fields that correspond to the street centerlines (Block616). An electronic survey file is created that describes the facilitiesitem needing repair (Block 618).

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable media. This computer-readable media may includeCD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, andlarge-capacity disk (such as IOMEGA®, ZIP®, JAZZ®, and otherlarge-capacity memory products (IOMEGA®, ZIP®, and JAZZ® are registeredtrademarks of Iomega Corporation, 1821 W. Iomega Way, Roy, Utah 84067,801.332.1000, www.iomega.com). This computer-readable media may bedistributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. These types ofcomputer-readable media, and other types not mention here but consideredwithin the scope of the exemplary embodiments. A computer programproduct comprises processor-executable instructions for mappingfacilities data.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

1. A method, comprising: generating a map of facilities informationoverlaid onto roads; incorporating the map into a graphical userinterface; receiving an input defining an outer perimeter of ageographic area drawn on the map; receiving a first selection of afacility displayed in the map; generating loop make-up information forthe facility; graphically displaying the loop make-up information as apath overlaid onto the map; receiving a second selection to create asurvey of facilities; receiving a third selection of a facilities itemneeding repair; associating an action to the facilities item needingrepair; and creating an electronic survey file that describes survey offacilities.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating apriority of repair to the facilities item.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising associating a surveyor's name to the survey offacilities.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating asurvey identification number to the survey of facilities.
 5. The methodof claim 1, further comprising associating a storm name to the survey offacilities.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating aCommon Language Location Identifier (CLLI) code, a plat number, and anallocation area to the survey of facilities.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving a department selection of a departmentresponsible for the facilities item needing repair.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising electronically annotating the facilitiesitem needing repair.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingcausing display of the electronic annotation in a graphical mapping. 10.The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a bill of materialsfor the facilities item needing repair.
 11. The method of claim 1,further comprising causing display of a type of facilities associatedwith the facilities item needing repair.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising causing display of an Internet ProtocolIdentification (IPID) number associated with the facilities item needingrepair.
 13. A system, comprising: a processor; and memory storing codethat when executed causes the processor to perform operations, theoperations comprising: generating a graphical mapping of facilitiesinformation overlaid onto a map of roads; displaying the graphicalmapping in a graphical user interface; defining an outer perimeter of ageographic area in the graphical mapping; displaying the outer perimeterin the graphical user interface; receiving a selection of a facilitydisplayed in the graphical mapping; generating loop make-up informationfor the facility; graphically displaying the loop make-up information asa path overlaid onto the map of roads in the graphical mapping;emphasizing the path in the graphical mapping for ease of reference;generating a bill of materials that corresponds to the outer perimeter;outputting the bill of materials; displaying a count finder dialog boxin the graphical user interface; receiving a first selection in thegraphical user interface of a cable name from a menu of cableidentifiers; querying for a cable count associated with the cable name;causing display of a listing of candidates in the graphical userinterface associated with the cable count; displaying a listing of cablecandidate identifiers in the graphical user interface, each entry in thelisting of cable candidate identifiers further identifying candidatecables; receiving a second selection of a cable candidate identifier inthe listing of cable candidate identifiers; highlighting the cablecandidate identifier in the graphical user interface; generating anotherbill of materials that corresponds to the cable candidate identifier;receiving a third selection in the graphical user interface to create asurvey of facilities; receiving a fourth selection in the graphical userinterface of a facilities item needing repair; associating an action tothe facilities item needing repair; and creating an electronic surveyfile that describes the facilities item needing repair.
 14. The systemof claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise associating apriority of repair to the facilities item.
 15. The system of claim 13,wherein the operations further comprise associating a surveyor's name tothe survey of facilities.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein theoperations further comprise associating a survey identification numberto the survey of facilities.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein theoperations further comprise associating a storm name to the survey offacilities.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the operations furthercomprise receiving a department selection of a department responsiblefor the facilities item needing repair.
 19. The system of claim 13,wherein the operations further comprise electronically annotating thefacilities item needing repair.
 20. A memory storing instructions thatwhen executed cause a processor to perform operations, the operationscomprising: generating a graphical mapping of facilities informationoverlaid onto a map of roads; displaying the graphical mapping in agraphical user interface; defining an outer perimeter of a geographicarea in the graphical mapping; displaying the outer perimeter in thegraphical user interface; receiving a selection of a facility displayedin the graphical mapping; generating loop make-up information for thefacility; graphically displaying the loop make-up information as a pathoverlaid onto the map of roads in the graphical mapping; emphasizing thepath in the graphical mapping for ease of reference; generating a billof materials that corresponds to the outer perimeter; outputting thebill of materials; displaying a count finder dialog box in the graphicaluser interface; receiving a first selection in the graphical userinterface of a cable name from a menu of cable identifiers; querying fora cable count associated with the cable name; causing display of alisting of candidates in the graphical user interface associated withthe cable count; displaying a listing of cable candidate identifiers inthe graphical user interface, each entry in the listing of cablecandidate identifiers further identifying candidate cables; receiving asecond selection of a cable candidate identifier in the listing of cablecandidate identifiers; highlighting the cable candidate identifier inthe graphical user interface; generating another bill of materials thatcorresponds to the cable candidate identifier; receiving a thirdselection in the graphical user interface to create a survey offacilities; receiving a fourth selection in the graphical user interfaceof a facilities item needing repair; associating an action to thefacilities item needing repair; and creating an electronic survey filethat describes the facilities item needing repair.